Albert J. Flogge Performing Arts collection

Biographical Note: A. J. "Al" Flogge, a native of Kent, donated his collection of
more than 2,000 photographs, many signed and inscribed, mementos and keepsakes
from many world famous celebrities to Kent State University. The collection also
includes reference books, biographies, and reviews. The 1956 alumnus was awarded
the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1983 by the Alumni Association of Kent State
University. He is the son of longtime residents of Kent, Joseph and Mary
Flogge. Flogge served as president and CEO of seven department stores in
Michigan retiring in 1988 to become a management consultant.

As a life-long collector, Flogge acquired many of the photographs by writing
to the celebrities who were also kind enough to autograph many of the items. One
of the first photographs he received was of Gene Autry.
He was the president of his local Gene Autry Fan Club at the age of 16 and through his
life, amassed one of the most extensive Gene Autry collections in the country today.
Flogge also served in the Army in 1958 at Ft. Hood where Elvis Presley was also stationed
at the beginning of his two year army hitch. A signed photograph
of Elvis and Flogge taken is included in the collection.

One of Flogge's favorites is an autographed 1920 publicity photo of a
British born actor Archie Leach, who is better known as Cary Grant. He gave the
photograph (with a request for an autograph) to a friend of his who had lunch
with Cary Grant in New York just before he died in 1986. This framed photo is also in the
collection at Kent State University.

Scope and Content: This impressive collection contains photographs of celebrities, many of
which are signed by the performer. Also included are posters used at theaters
announcing the newest and latest movies from 1910 through 1990. Periodicals,
record albums, playbills, theater programs, and books help to make this a
well-rounded collection of classic Hollywood memorabilia. One of the highlights of the collection is a 300-year-old, hand-carved wood
Shakespearean screen, that remains on permanent display in the Special Collections and Archives 12th floor exhibition gallery. It has 24 scene
carvings from Shakespeare plays engraved on oak panels.

Some of the performers featured in the collection include Bette Davis, Clark Gable
and his "Gone With The Wind" co-star Vivien Leigh, Judy Garland,
Charlie Chaplin, Orson Welles, Ingrid Bergman, the Marx Brothers and many others. There is also
a legal document signed by Marilyn Monroe firing her husband, Pulitzer Prize
winning playwright Arthur Miller, as vice president of Marilyn Monroe
Productions, Inc.

Restrictions on Use: Most of the materials in this collection are copyrighted. Kent State University does not own copyright to the material in this collection. Usage restrictions apply.

Processing Information: Names of performers followed by "signed" or "inscribed"
without a type of photograph indicated are publicity stills. Names of performers followed
by a set of quotes followed by a year lists the name of the movie or production
where the photograph was taken.

Additional Information: Highlights of the Flogge collection were exhibited in 1994 and the
accompanying catalog "Let All the Number of the Stars Give Light..."
is available from Special Collections and Archives. Please contact the department for details.

Wilson, Elizabeth : 6 signed photographs from the film "The Graduate,"
1 signed photograph from the film "Nine to Five," 1 signed photograph
from "The Day of the Dolphin," 1 inscribed "To Al ...," from
the film "The Goddess," 1 inscribed "Dear Al," from the film
"Patterns," 1 publicity still inscribed "Dear Al ...," 3
signed, 2 inscribed "For Al," 2 unsigned

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